If you have a soft spot for fluffy, sweet treats that bring the perfect mix of cinnamon spice and fresh apple flavor, you are going to love this Mini Apple Fritter Waffle Donuts Recipe. These bite-sized delights capture everything you adore about classic apple fritters but add a fun twist by cooking them in a waffle iron, creating a crisp edge with a tender, donut-like center. It’s a playful and delicious way to brighten up any morning or treat time, and they come together quickly, making them a go-to recipe when you want something impressive but fuss-free.
Ingredients You’ll Need
All the ingredients for this Mini Apple Fritter Waffle Donuts Recipe are simple, everyday pantry staples that work together beautifully to deliver a moist, flavorful treat with just the right hint of spice and sweetness. Each one plays a crucial role, from the fluffy texture to the lovely apple bite and the irresistible glaze that finishes it off perfectly.
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour: The base that gives structure and a soft crumb to the waffles.
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon: Infuses warm spice essential to the apple fritter flavor.
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg: Adds depth and a complementary hint of nuttiness.
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar: Light sweetness to balance the apples.
- 1 teaspoon baking powder: Helps the batter rise and stay light.
- 1/4 teaspoon table salt: Enhances all the flavors beautifully.
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch: Keeps the texture tender and prevents toughness.
- 1 large egg: Binds everything together with richness.
- 1/3 cup milk: Adds moisture for a smooth batter.
- 1/2 tablespoon oil: Keeps the waffles soft on the inside with a crispy outside.
- 1 1/2 cups shredded apples: The star of the show—fresh, juicy, and naturally sweet.
- 2 cups powdered sugar (for glaze): Creates a sweet, glossy glaze that coats the waffles.
- 3–4 tablespoons milk (for glaze): Thins the powdered sugar to the perfect drippable consistency.
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (for glaze): Adds a lovely fragrant note to the glaze.
- Cinnamon sugar (optional): Sprinkled on top for extra crunch and spice flair.
How to Make Mini Apple Fritter Waffle Donuts Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Waffle Iron
Before anything else, preheat your waffle iron according to the instructions. This ensures it’s hot and ready to create those perfectly crisp edges on your mini apple fritter waffle donuts. A quickly heated iron means the batter cooks evenly and locks moisture inside.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, granulated sugar, baking powder, salt, and cornstarch. Getting this done first ensures the spices and leavening agents are evenly distributed throughout the batter, giving your waffles consistent flavor and rise.
Step 3: Add the Wet Ingredients
Next, beat in one large egg, followed by the milk and oil. Stir these wet ingredients into the dry mix until just combined — you want a smooth, thick batter. Then fold in the freshly shredded apples gently so they retain their shape and juiciness but still blend well.
Step 4: Cook the Mini Donut Waffles
Spray your waffle iron with a nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking and use a tablespoon to drop batter portions onto the waffle plates. Close the lid and cook for 3 to 5 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. The waffles should come out with crispy edges and tender centers, perfect for dipping or glazing.
Step 5: Make the Glaze and Finish
While the waffle donuts cool, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth and glossy. Dip each mini waffle donut into the glaze, coating the tops generously. If you want to add even more flavor, sprinkle with cinnamon sugar immediately after glazing for a delicious extra crunch and sweet-spicy kick.
How to Serve Mini Apple Fritter Waffle Donuts Recipe
Garnishes
A dusting of cinnamon sugar or a light sprinkle of chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts makes a wonderful garnish for these mini donut waffles, adding texture and an extra layer of flavor that complements the apple and spice beautifully. A drizzle of caramel sauce is also divine for a more indulgent twist.
Side Dishes
Serve these mini apple fritter waffle donuts alongside a cup of hot coffee, chai tea, or apple cider for a perfectly cozy pairing. They also work well with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream when you want to turn them into a dessert.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun brunch, arrange these mini waffle donuts on a tiered stand or a large platter with small bowls of different toppings like maple syrup, fruit preserves, or chocolate chips. You can also skewer them on sticks to serve as festive treats at parties or gatherings.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover mini apple fritter waffle donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. Keeping them sealed helps maintain their moisture and prevents them from drying out too quickly.
Freezing
These mini waffles freeze beautifully. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze initially, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container for up to a month. This way, you can enjoy the Mini Apple Fritter Waffle Donuts Recipe anytime without the fuss of starting from scratch.
Reheating
To enjoy them warm, reheat the mini waffles in a toaster oven or conventional oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 to 7 minutes. This method helps restore the crispy edges and warms them evenly without making them soggy.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of apple for this recipe?
Absolutely! Granny Smith apples add a tart balance, while Fuji or Honeycrisp bring more sweetness. Just make sure to shred them finely to keep the texture consistent.
What if I don’t have a waffle iron that makes mini shapes?
You can use a standard waffle iron and cut the waffles into rounds or squares, but using a mini waffle iron gives the closest shape and size to donuts for that fun presentation.
Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend. The texture might be slightly different but still tasty and soft.
Is it necessary to add cornstarch?
Cornstarch helps create a tender texture and prevents chewiness, but if you don’t have it on hand, you can omit it or replace with a bit more flour, though the texture might be slightly less delicate.
How long can I keep the glazed waffle donuts before serving?
For the best texture, glaze the waffle donuts right before serving. If glazed too early, the sugar may soften the waffle’s crispiness. You can keep them unglazed for a few hours at room temperature comfortably.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly magical about the Mini Apple Fritter Waffle Donuts Recipe — it’s whimsical, comforting, and so delightfully easy to make. Whether you’re treating yourself or sharing with family and friends, these little bites embody coziness and joy. Give it a try the next time you want a unique spin on breakfast or a sweet snack that’s bursting with flavor and crunch. Trust me, this will become one of your new favorite fall-inspired delights to make again and again!
Print
Mini Apple Fritter Waffle Donuts Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 6 mini waffle donuts
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Delight in these Mini Apple Fritter Waffle Donuts, a perfect blend of crispy waffle texture and the warm flavors of cinnamon-spiced shredded apples. These bite-sized treats are topped with a sweet vanilla glaze and an optional cinnamon sugar sprinkle, making them an irresistible breakfast or snack option.
Ingredients
Dough
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon table salt
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 large egg
- 1/3 cup milk
- 1/2 tablespoon oil
- 1 1/2 cups shredded apples
Glaze
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 3–4 tablespoons milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Topping (Optional)
- Cinnamon sugar
Instructions
- Preheat Waffle Iron: Start by preheating your waffle iron according to the manufacturer’s instructions to ensure it reaches the right temperature for cooking the donut waffles evenly.
- Prepare Batter: In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, granulated sugar, baking powder, salt, and cornstarch. Mix these dry ingredients thoroughly. Next, whisk in one large egg, followed by the milk and oil until everything is well combined. Gently fold in the shredded apples to evenly distribute them throughout the batter.
- Cook Donut Waffles: Once your batter is ready, spray the waffle iron with a nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking. Use a tablespoon to drop the batter onto the waffle iron in portions suitable for mini donuts. Cook the donuts for about 3 to 5 minutes, or until they are golden and cooked through.
- Prepare Glaze: While your mini waffle donuts are cooling, prepare the glaze. Whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until you reach a smooth and pourable consistency suitable for dipping.
- Glaze and Garnish: Once the waffle donuts have cooled sufficiently to handle, dip the tops into the prepared glaze. For added flavor and crunch, sprinkle cinnamon sugar on top if desired. Let the glaze set slightly before serving.
Notes
- Ensure shredded apples are well-drained to avoid excess moisture in the batter.
- Adjust milk amount in glaze to achieve your preferred consistency—thicker for spreading, thinner for dipping.
- Use nonstick spray generously to prevent waffle donuts from sticking to the iron.
- Serve warm for the best taste and texture.
- Leftover glazed donuts can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
